Setting up a new Windows 11 machine can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when complications arise. In today’s cloud-centric world, the expectation is to swiftly install the operating system, adjust settings, and load essential applications. For those who find themselves in this scenario, there’s a streamlined approach to setting up a fresh instance of Windows 11 on the same PC, allowing for a quicker transition to a clean installation while retaining access to files and applications.
Creating a new Windows instance on your drive
It’s easier than you think
The journey begins with the creation of a new Windows instance, facilitated by a PowerShell script developed by GitHub user Anduin2017. This script allows users to leverage an ISO file alongside their existing system installation to generate a new Windows installation. However, it’s crucial to note that this process requires an empty physical drive; creating a partition will not suffice and could jeopardize the current installation.
To initiate this process, users must run the script in an elevated PowerShell window. The script will prompt for necessary inputs, such as the location of the empty drive and the edition of Windows to install from the ISO. It’s essential to ensure that the chosen edition aligns with the current Windows installation to avoid licensing issues. Users can continue to operate their PC while the installation is underway, and upon completion, a reboot will present the option to choose between the existing installation and the new one.
Installing the apps you need
Make your new instance fully ready
Having a bootable Windows instance is just the beginning; the next step is to equip it with the necessary applications. This phase can be somewhat intricate, as it involves crafting PowerShell modules tailored to the desired applications. The GitHub project includes a sample install.ps1 file, which serves as a foundation, but customization is key. Users are encouraged to fork or clone the repository to make the necessary adjustments.
For instance, the default script may include commands for installing applications like Nextcloud and 7-Zip. If certain applications are not needed, users can simply remove those lines from the install.ps1 file. Conversely, adding new applications requires creating corresponding components to facilitate installation through WinGet, which involves crafting a new file with the psm1 extension in the components folder of the repository.
Why even do this?
It’s meant for cloud-based users
This entire process is designed with a specific audience in mind: users who rely heavily on cloud storage solutions such as OneDrive. The primary goal is not to transfer all data but to refresh the operating system and applications. By signing into a cloud provider, users can access their data seamlessly, making this method a time-efficient alternative to traditional installation processes.
Windows 11, while a robust operating system, is not without its quirks. Over time, users may encounter data corruption or other issues that hinder performance. This streamlined approach allows for a fresh start with minimal downtime, bypassing the lengthy process of downloading a new copy of Windows and creating a bootable USB drive. Additionally, for those who wish to retain specific configurations, such as Windows Terminal profiles, storing these in OneDrive ensures they can be easily retrieved post-installation.
Systematic migrations made easy
For the average user who infrequently needs to reset their PC, this setup may seem overly complex. However, for individuals who regularly face Windows issues and require clean installations, investing time in configuring this process can yield significant benefits. It enables the rapid replication of a base system complete with essential programs, facilitating smoother transitions with considerably less downtime during migrations.
